Test your design IQ

MANILA, Philippines - What is the name of the Renzo Piano-designed building adjacent to the London Bridge Tower?

The controversial glass structure is an 87-storey skyscraper the forms part of the London Bridge Quarter development. The building’ construction began in March 2009 and was topped out in March 2012. It has a privately operated observation deck.

Standing at approximately 309 meters, it is the tallest building in the European Union. It is the second-tallest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom, after the concrete tower at the Emley Moor transmitting station.

Renzo Piano designed it as a spire-like sculpture emerging from the River Thames. He was inspired by the railway lines next to the site, the London spires depicted by the 18th-century Venetian painter Canaletto, and the masts of sailing ships. Piano considered the slender, spire-like form of the tower a positive addition to the London skyline, recalling the church steeples featured in historic engravings of the city, and believed that its presence would be far more delicate than opponents of the project alleged. He proposed a sophisticated use of glazing with expressive façades of angled glass panes intended to reflect sunlight and the sky above, so that the appearance of the building will change according to the weather and seasons.

Shangri-La Hotel occupies the upper floors of the building. Soon after it opened, a design flaw was found. Because of the shape and the glass material of the structure, some rooms had a view of neighboring rooms when the lights in the bathroom were turned on.

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Last week’s question: Who is the American chef known for his expert hand in modern Asian cuisine in restaurants like Sampan  in Philadelphia, and Izakaya in Atlantic City?

Answer: Michael Schulson

Winner: Norie Marie Vergara of Novaliches, QC

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Text your answer to 0915-6486414 with your name and address. One winner will be chosen through a raffle of texts with the correct answer. The winner will receive P2,000 worth of SM gift certificates for use at Our Home, SM Department Store, or SM Supermarket. They can claim their prize at Our Home in SM Megamall. Call the store manager at 634-1950.Bring photocopies of two valid IDs and a clipping of the Design Quiz issue in which you appear as winner.